Several students taken to hospital as precaution after buses collide

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - Several elementary-aged students who were involved in a minor school bus accident Monday afternoon were taken to an area hospital as a precaution.

According to Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers, two school buses bumped into each other on Elmtree Road in New Kensington just after 3 p.m.

Dispatchers said the accident was reported at Greenwald Memorial Elementary School.

“During regular dismissal, more than 70 students (ages 5-9) had already safely boarded their buses when one bus incurred incidental contact with the bus unit directly in front of it,” New Kensington-Arnold School District Superintendent John Pallone said.

Pallone said all of the students on the two buses at the time were evaluated by the school’s nurse and paramedics on site.

“Seven students complained of possible injuries and were transported to Allegheny Valley Hospital for precautionary review and treatment if necessary,” Pallone said.

According to Pallone, no serious injuries were reported.

"The children were alarmed by the sudden jerking of the vehicle resulting from the unexpected contact, but thankfully no one was seriously hurt or injured,” Pallone said.

Students who were not injured were placed on other buses for the ride to their regular bus stops.

Pallone said the district called each of the parents or guardians for the more than 70 students and talked to them or left a message.